Child Guidance Center grateful of support for benefit

Thank you to all who took part in this year's Come Play! ... It's Field Day benefit on May 9 to support the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut.

With 240 guests and more than $221,000 raised, we are profoundly grateful for the incredible outpouring of support.

We are touched by the level of generosity shown at our benefit, despite the financial strain many are experiencing. In difficult economic times such as these, it is critical for affected families to receive the mental health support that they need.

The proceeds garnered from this event will provide crucial help for children and adolescents in Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, and New Canaan who are struggling with psychological, behavioral, developmental, social or family problems. With your support, our mental health services will make it possible for children to resolve problems and surmount challenges that interfere with daily functioning and threaten long-term development.

The splendid evening was truly a night to remember and was the result of the extraordinary talent of our committee, Laura Beck, Paul and Christine Hampel, Virginia Hyde, Kenda McDonnell, Lina Morielli, Alexandra Walko, Amy Zabin, and Sallyan Zenko.

We also express our deep appre-ciation to the patrons of the event as well as a tremendous "thank you" to the area businesses who so generously donated items to our silent and live auctions.

All who took part in this year's event -- whether as patrons, donors, volunteers, staff, board members, or guests -- have truly made an impact on the lives of many within our area. Thank you again for your commitment to the children in our community.